Top Personal Picks of the City

Favorite newer restaurant discovery in the last six months?
Delarosa.. delicious Italian food and an atmosphere/menu that makes it a great neighborhood staple. It's almost enough to make me wish I lived in the marina.

Current culinary crush (e.g., chef, dish on the menu, food trend in the city)?
The waiters at Chez Papa in Mint Plaza … I think they import them directly from France. I also have a longstanding love affair with Ryoko’s Volcano roll. Peanut butter and sushi? Yes, please.

Favorite newer nightspot discovery in the last six months?
Rickhouse is a great addition to downtown/fidi nightlife and usually has a good crowd. Their pisco sours are a current love and they even garnish mine with a red heart. Oh wait … they do that for everyone?

Your favorite wine bar, dive bar, and/or coffee shop in town that you'd recommend right now?
Amelie on Polk … lively atmosphere that is welcoming and not snobby, great staff, delectable wine menu.

Favorite sommelier and/or bartender right now?
Jon at Rye. On days when I know I need a cocktail but my brain is too indecisive to pick a poison, Jon always mixes me the perfect drink, always including something fresh that’s in-season.

What's your idea of a perfect low-key night out on the town?
Drinks and appetizers at Dosa on Fillmore and then heading across the street to the Sundance Kabuki theater for a movie, preferably one starring Johnny Depp.

What's your idea of painting the town?
Getting dolled up, meeting friends for dinner and drinks somewhere with a lively atmosphere (Gitane is a favorite) and then dancing the night away at Slide, Harlot, Ambassador, and sometimes, all of the above.

What's your favorite hole-in-the-wall/hidden gem hangout in town and why?
Besides having the word “hidden” in its name, first thing that came to mind is The Hidden Vine; a perfect little tucked away wine bar that feels like you’re having wine in someone’s grandma’s living room.

Favorite spot for live music right now?
The Independent, or the piano bar in the downstairs of Johnny Foleys is always a great time.

Favorite local musician, band and/or DJ right now?
Designer Deejays … two local guys who know how to get me (and anyone else within ear-shot) shakin’ it on the dance floor. Bonus points for indulging my '90s hip-hop fetish.

Where do you go for a dose of culture (museum, gallery, performing arts venue, etc.)?
Does Barney’s shoe department count? Love taking in Warhol at the Martin Lawrence Gallery on Geary, and Silverman Gallery in my 'hood has really unique installations.

Latest cultural find?
Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences … not a new thing, but culture and cocktails is such a brilliant combination.

Where/how do you work on your fitness?
Walking everywhere with my precocious French bulldog; I am also a huge fan of Bikram Yoga at Funky Door on Polk Street and the Bar Method by the Embarcadero.

Favorite salon and/or spa for primping and pampering?
Burke Williams! Their membership program is the savior of my sanity every month.

Favorite newer local boutique or store to shop right now?
Pin the Tail boutique above/next to Habit on Fillmore. Obscure antiques, amazing gifts. .. this place is filled with things I never knew I wanted, and now desperately need.

Local fashion designer/jewelry designer/ on your radar right now?
Harputs OWN line at Harputs Union. “Swacket” should be in everyone’s vocab (and closet). What is a Swacket you say? Sweater and a jacket, people! Genius.

You don't have to name specific businesses, but what are one or two trends in the city that you hope will die and die soon?
Hipster art students tagging everything in sight, and although this isn’t unique to SF, over-sharing on the internet! Newsflash: I don’t care what you are doing/thinking/eating at all times and neither do 98.5 percent of your “friends/followers.”

Favorite emerging artist, architect, interior designer, and/or graphic designer?
My favorite artist in SF and dear friend, Manny Fabregas, has had showings at Hyde Street Gallery, Barber Lounge, and has permanent viewings at Oola Restaurant and Bar, Harlot, and Loomis Group. I’m obsessed with the original piece he did for my apartment, and can’t wait to see more of his work around the city!

Preferred place to shop for home furnishings/accents?
Plantation in Hayes Valley. If given the chance, would probably trade a kidney for them to re-do my entire place.